Talon leaned back against the wall. "And the training timeline? Six months minimum, you said?" His mind popped to Riley, who had a permanent position at the mining camp just down the road. This was turning into a win-win for both Jug and him. The rest of the team, he’d give them a choice. They could hook up with another team if they needed to move, but as far as Talon was concerned, teaching the SRF was a fucking important job, and he was damn sure going to make sure they were trained correctly.
"That's right," Ronan confirmed. "The Burundu government finally admitted that rushing teams through training was politically motivated and not operationally sound. They're willing to invest inproper training if we're willing to invest in proper infrastructure."
"What kind of infrastructure are we talking about, specifically?" Talon asked. "Because right now, we're running PT in a field of dust, and our 'classroom' is a tent that's seen better decades."
Jason chuckled. "Complete overhaul. Climate-controlled classrooms, proper range facilities, urban warfare training structures, medical facilities, communications center. The works. We're looking at about eighteen months to get everything built and operational."
"Which means the first year and a half is going to be interesting," Jug observed. "Training teams while construction crews are building around us."
"That's the challenge," Gabby agreed. "But think about the advantage. You'll be able to design the facility as you build it. Input from active trainers on what actually works versus what looks good on paper."
Talon felt a surge of excitement despite the magnitude of the commitment. "And equipment? Because I'm not training another team with AK-47s that jam every fifty rounds and night vision that was outdated in 1995."
"Modern equipment," Ronan assured him. "TheBurundu government has agreed to purchase through Guardian's procurement network. You'll get the same gear our domestic teams train with."
"Now, that," Jug said, "changes everything. Actual working equipment?"
"Revolutionary concept, I know," Gabby said dryly.
Talon found himself nodding slowly. "Okay, but you guys really need guarantees. No handshake deals, no political promises, right?”
“Correct,” Jason agreed. “Contracts. Six-month minimum training cycles, equipment standards, and infrastructure commitments. All of it in writing and in the works.”
"Legal is drafting the memorandum of understanding now. But I need to know if you're in, Talon. I know this is a variation of the normal rotation of the team. Granted, we’ll have other teams come over for the construction phase and as part of the training cadre."
“Cobra team,” Talon said, and it wasn’t a request.
“I’m going to talk to Reece after this call. I don’t think I could keep him away.” Jason’s voice held a smile. Reece was Talon’s cousin, best friend, and Jason’s son.
The room fell silent except for the distant soundof someone working on a generator outside. Talon looked at Jug, who was studying him intently.
"What do you think, Jug? Ready to become African homesteaders?"
Jug grinned. "My wife's gonna be here, dude. The answer is hell yeah. If we can actually build something that works, something that keeps these guys alive when they go operational? Count me in."
Talon took a deep breath. "All right, Jason. We're in. I’d like to have input on the facility design. If we're doing this, we need to do it right."
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Jason replied. "Welcome to the long game, gentlemen. Gabby will be your primary contact for the infrastructure development. Ronan will handle personnel rotations and family logistics. And, Talon? I agree, Ronan and Jug would cluck like hens all night long. Archangel is clear.”
“I’m out.” Gabby laughed before she cleared the comms.
“That wasn’t cool, man.” Ronan sighed.
Jug stood up. “But it was the truth. We would. Hey, Skipper, I’m going to go call Shelly, if that’s okay.”
“Sure, but remember, we haven’t finalized anything,” Talon answered.
“Got it. Can I tell the team?”
“Go for it. Tell them I’ll be over in the morning, and we’ll hash out any questions they have.”
“Copy.” Jug tapped his ear, clearing from the conversation.
Dude cleared his throat. “Skipper, if you guys are going to be there for four years, am I going to lose you as my team?”
“Unless you want to go to Africa,” Ronan answered when Talon hesitated.
“We could use your skills over here,” Talon agreed.
